Category: Uncategorized

“Acceleration” (** out of four) was a muddled action thriller about a determined mom (Natalie Burn) who is told she only has one night to perform vague tasks if she wants to see her son alive after he is held captive by a cold-hearted mob boss (Dolph Lundgren). Co-directors Michael Merino and Daniel Zirilli show some promise and shoot this with style but its routine script and story prevent this from fully “accelerating.” Lundgren sleepwalks through his role and is in the film very briefly; Burn does what she can in the lead

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“Brittany Runs A Marathon” (**1/2 out of four) was an agreeable comedy about an overweight young woman named Brittany (Jillian Bell) who decides to get her life together and start training for the New York City marathon but finds this is harder than she initially thought. Uneven movie has enough laughs and surprisingly tender moments to make it overall worthwhile. Bell’s first-rate performance holds the script together and keeps you watching even through periodic lulls.

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“Playing With Fire” (** out of four) was a silly comedy about a team of fearless and rugged firefighters (John Cena, John Leguizamo, Keegan-Michael Key) who have overcome terrifying obstacles on the job but are overwhelmed when having to take care of and watch three kids (Christian Convery, Brianna Hildebrand, and Finley Rose Slater) who are separated from their families following an accident. Enthusiastic cast gets all the mileage it can out of a paper-thin script but after a while- it’s like squeezing blood from a stone. A mediocre production from Nickelodeon but kids may like it anyway

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“Ford v. Ferrari” (** out of four) was an uninvolving melodrama based on the true story of American car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and daredevil driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) who had to battle corporate interference and numerous technological obstacles to build a revolutionary race car for Ford and challenge Ferrari at the famous 24 Hours Of Le Mans in 1966. Despite good actors and production, film just does not connect emotionally and feels aloof and hollow. Race-car scenes in the final third work best but even then film drags on too long. A disappointment from director James Mangold who scored much bigger with “Logan” and “Walk The Line.”

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“Line Of Duty” (*** out of four) was an arresting melodrama about a disgraced and disgruntled cop (Aaron Eckhart) who finds himself in a race against time as he attempts to find the kidnap victim of an abductor he shot and killed earlier on in the day! Nonstop story literally doesn’t stop to take a breath and throws you right in the midst of things from the opening scenes. Story becomes a little arbitrary and silly towards the end but it never stops being tense and wired. Eckhart’s usual rock-solid performance helps you overlook some script weaknesses and holes.

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“Charlie’s Angels” (** out of four) was a half-hearted reboot of the 2000 original/1970’s television phenomenon about the three female warriors (Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Basinkska) who are called back into action by Bosley (Patrick Stewart) when a young smuggler (Chris Pang) turns out to be in possession of dangerous technology that could lead to worldwide destruction. Soulless mix of action, visual effects, and great stunt work; proof that an action film has to be more than just action and must have some story and characters. This team just doesn’t have the magic of the original series or Cameron, Drew, and Lucy and rings up empty, despite a few good action scenes.

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“The Good Liar” (** out of four) was an unwieldy psychological thriller about a lifelong conman (Ian McKellen) who sets his sights on duping a millionaire widower (Helen Mirren) but soon finds that she has turned the tables on him and they both have personal ties together from the past that threaten their future. Both McKellen and Mirren are first-rate as always but story is more confusing than clever and never builds to a satisfying whole. Director Bill Condon’s first attempt at a Hitchcock thriller and likely his last.

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“Lady And The Tramp” (** out of four) was an uninspired live-action remake of the 1955 Disney classic about an upper-class American cocker spaniel named Lady (voiced by Tessa Thompson) who meets a streetsmart schnauzer named The Tramp (voiced by Justin Theroux) who embark on adventures through the city together. Perfectly watchable kids fare has cute dogs and attractive production but lacks the magic and connection of the original. Yet another Disney remake that kids may like but still seems by-the-numbers and unnecessary.

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“Midway” (***1/2 out of four) was a spectacular remake of the 1976 WWII classic focusing on the Battle Of Midway and the clash between the American fleet (Dennis Quaid, Woody Harrelson, Luke Evans, and others) and the Imperial Japanese navy (Jun Kunimura, Tadanobu Asano, and others) which marked a huge pivotal point during the war. Extravagant (and extraordinary) visual effects and action scenes puts you right there in the midst of battle and holding on for dear life. Actual Midway scenes are so realistic you almost feel you’re watching a documentary! A sensational achievement for director Roland Emmerich in a tribute to the heroism of war and what may be his best film ever. Bullseye!

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“Primal” (*** out of four) was a sturdy action adventure about a world-weary big game hunter (Nicholas Cage) who sets sail on a Greek freight ship with a variety of rare breed animals and a convicted murderer (Kevin Durand) who escapes and sets loose all the animals which threatens the safety and security of everyone on board. Unusually sharp screenplay for this sort of fare with some clever dialogue for Cage in one of his better roles and most importantly- it never stops moving. Famke Janssen and Michael Imperioli pop up in minor supporting roles.

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